Our excellent run of guest posts continues this morning. Please welcome back the wonderful Kathleen from Princess of Taylor, who tried on several items I’ve been curious about. And she looks great! My wishlist continues to grow. If you’re interested in writing a guest post please email me or click the “contact” link near the top of the blog. On to the guest post…
I’ve been really drawn to pretty tops recently. My summer top collection is woefully small and Anthropologie has really come out with some lovely options this spring. Again for reference I’m 5’8″. I typically wear a Medium/8-10 on top and a Large/12-14 on bottom.
Picture Frame Blouse ($78), size 10:
My store had one of these shirts left so I grabbed it. Unfortunately I found that it ran small in the bust. I would definitely have to size up to a 12 to buy this one. The pattern is really cute though (I tried on the Green Motif) and I’m pretty sure it would be long enough to tuck in. I’d consider it on sale.
Pallas Athena Tank ($68), size 8:
I loved this top! I was slightly confused by the super long rope ties, but I just wrapped them around my waist twice and it seemed to work. My one complaint is that the cut of the back requires either a strapless or a racerback bra – ARG! I might try sizing down to a 6 because I did find the top to be a bit large. Wish listed!
Fissured Shell ($98), size 8:
This tank has two layers – the bottom layer is slightly longer. Unfortunately it is just long enough that it pulls across my hips. I liked the pattern and design of this top and would consider it in a 10 if it went on sale.
Lettuce Florets Blouse ($88), size 8:
Other bloggers have found this blouse boxy and I agree. The 8 fit fine around the bust and bottom, but the waist seemed really big and shapeless on me. The design is really cute, but not obnoxiously so. I couldn’t really tell that I was wearing a lettuce shirt. The asymmetrical buttons and collar give the shirt some interest. This is a really unique top – if it fits, I say go for it. I’d consider it on sale (but might have to tailor the waist a bit)
Drawing Parallels Dress ($178), size Medium:
Last week I called this dress out on my blog (see here), but since I’m willing to give anything a chance, I tried it on. It’s a very basic dress style-wise: the draw is definitely supposed to be the pattern (which I still kind of don’t get). The fit of a Medium was fine although this dress doesn’t hide anything – it fits close to the body. I didn’t hate it on me, but I wasn’t crazy about it either. For $178 though ? Not a chance.
I have other reviews from both Ann Taylor and Anthropologie that I’ll post on my blog this week.
I think the Drawing Parallels Dress actually looks really fantastic on you! It would look great with a pair of docksiders or navy flats. You're right though, best wait until it goes on sale at that price!
i love the neckline of the pictureframe shirt! so pretty! and, yes, the dress is crazy, but I agree with Hometown Queen that it looks really good on you! 🙂
Thanks for the reviews! I really love the pictureframe shirt on you, as well as the lettuce florets blouse!Maybe I'm in the minority, but I got kind of annoyed when I saw the Drawing Parallels Dress on Anthropologie's website. I know that Anthropologie offers higher end / quality pieces, and certainly the fabric will be supersoft, but it still (even after seeing it on someone) reminds me of something that I can pick up at Forever 21 for a fraction of the price. And of course, because it is Bailey 44 isn't even more moderately priced at $98, or even $118, but at *$178*!Of course, there are even more basic designer pieces that go for more – I just tend to love Anthropologie for it's unique pieces, or even unique "twists" on more classic pieces 🙂
Love the reviews!On another note, I wanted to ask if anyone knows how to access the US Anthro website from Europe? I'm in the UK and now I can only get to the EU site. But I'd rather shop on the US site- help! Anyone? Much appreciated!
I had purchasedthe Picture Frame Blouse but ultimately returned it. On me it just seemed to be really small, even with my newlay smaller chest I had pulling, and it seems snug and constricting. Such a bummer. I might reconsider on sale. I loved the nubbiness of the fabric on the underside.I did keep the Lettuce Florets Blouse and now much figure out hw to wear it.
Oh I LOVE that Picture Frame blouse! My store has a bunch, and I want it so bad, but I wish it was $20 cheaper. Story of my Anthro-loving life. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
thanks for the reviews, i have wondered about the picture frame blouse and it looks adorable. too bad about the lettuce blouse!
MN: I've added "http://us.anthropologie.com/anthro/e4x/i18n.jsp" to my bookmarks – I still have to select "proceed as US user, but I don't have to faff around with the European site. Hope that helps!
I really want the Drawing Parallel Dress, but I agree for $178 that is pretty steep for a basic dress. I will wait for the sale. I think it is really cute and would go great with some red heels. I thought the stripes were black when I first saw it on Anthro's website, but still like it.
I love Fissured Shell top, but I'm not sure if I should get it. I'm 5'3" / 95 lbs, most of Anthro clothes on size 0 is too big for me… x0x0 Maria Hita http://vodkaandcupcake.blogspot.com/
HQ – Thanks! I had really low expectations for the dress so the fact that I even took a picture of it says something. Bailey 44 prices are insane though!Suz – The Picture Frame Shirt and Lettuce Shirts were tried on for you so I hope they helped! I wish my store had a 12 in the PFS because now that I'm seeing it again, I'm imagining all sorts of things to wear it with!Lauren – Thanks! I agree about the DPD – the fabric is soft but the style of the dress is pretty bland. Jacquelyn – I loved the Lettuce Blouse on you! Too bad about the PFB – did you already return it? It still might fit once the swelling goes down (although it does run super small!)Lauren S. – I should shop at your store – bunches of PFB? I hope my store gets a new shipment in – I wonder if the one random one was an early return.Ali – Thanks! Size up on the PFB and you'll love it on!Mal – I'd say the stripes are a super dark slightly heathered charcoal – they come off as black though unless you are staring intently at the dress though. This might be one that hits sale quickly so start doing your sale dance now!Maria – I think a 0 could work. The bust on the 8 was a teeny bit snug on me which would mean sizing up to a 10. If it runs one full size small, you might be in business! Fingers crossed!
HQ: wow, thank you so much! I cringe at the thought of paying UK prices if I can get a US friend to deliver my Anthro purchases…the link is appreciated.
wow, drawing parallels is $178! intense..
Hi,Just want to say I do so love your reviews! Thank you for your hard work and time you put into these, they have come in handy for me several times over the past 6 months!XOKjrstenhaveacuteday.blogspot.com